Slaughterhouse Creek Watershed
Summary
Characteristics
- Slaughterhouse creek runs north entering Burrard Inlet near the east end of Rocky Point Park.
- A tidal wetland of approximately 86 ha at the mouth of the creek.
- Source is groundwater in the Chines hillside in the City of Coquitlam
- Second largest creek flowing into Burrard Inlet and is the most sensitive environmental component in the Rocky Point area of the Shoreline Park
- There are several tributaries which are now part of the stormwater systems.
Watershed Use
- Ownership: City of Coquitlam, City of Port Moody, various residential owners,
- Landuse: Industrial, Commercial, Residential, CP Rail Right of Way
- Fish: Chum and Coho Salmon; Cutthroat Trout
- Vegetation: Urban stream. No distinct vegetation other than landscaping.
Concerns
- Most in need of restoration.
- Habitat within the stream and along the riparian area is damaged.
- There are several, long culverts in the lower reaches which are likely impassable to migrating fish.
- Access trails have permitted easy access to ecologically sensitive riparian areas. Industrial washwaters and discharges into the creek have caused fish kills. Limit pedestrian trails, and dog access to fish and other wildlife areas.
- Several problems have been noted which can affect the overall water quality of this stream:
- A number of storm drains run into the creek; extensive culverting; sewage cross linkage above St. Johns Street.
- Dense residential areas surround the majority of the stream, high proportions of impervious surfaces surround nearly all of the mainstem area.
- Urban development has caused infilling and erosion.
- Industrial wash waters and discharges into the creek have caused fish kills.
Watershed Projects
